Partner of Thomas Tallmadge and one of Daniel Burnham's draftsmen, Vernon Watson was one of those architects that prefer to house themselves. He built for himself a 1,600-square-foot Prairie house in Oak Park, bearing some semblance to a Frank Lloyd Wright bootleg work— Wright light, if you will. Dating to 1904 and one of Watson's earliest works, the 3/2 home just hit the market for $444K. That it's got great curb appeal is evident, but the interiors aren't nearly as crafty or sinuous. There's a good helping of decorative leaded windows and a snuggly all-white fireplace, but otherwise the rooms and their finishes are pretty conventional— often read as livable. Bountiful yard space adds considerably to the property's appeal.
·Listing: 643 Fair Oaks Ave. [Baird & Warner]
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